| Discover Belgium’s Modernist Treasures! | Four exceptional Belgian houses have just joined the international Iconic Houses network, bringing fresh global attention to Belgium’s modernist legacy.
Belgium boasts 12 outstanding house museums, each a unique testament to modern design — and now, with the addition of these four new homes, the country’s modernist story shines even brighter. Through our international network, you can also discover over 200 extraordinary homes worldwide, each crafted by visionary architects and preserved as living snapshots of modern life.
Our Belgium Special is part of a series highlighting countries rich in architectural heritage, perfect for planning a week-long getaway or a weekend escape. From Brussels’ celebrated modernist landmarks to hidden gems in Bruges and Mechelen, inspiration awaits around every corner.
And if you can’t travel just yet, you can still experience these houses from the comfort of home — virtually exploring, learning, and dreaming of your next design-filled adventure.
Enjoy the journey! |
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| | Welcome Carli Vanhout House! Turnhout, 1964 | The atelier house of Carli Vanhout, designed with Paul Schellekens during his final study year, marks the start of their brutalist style. Combining home and studio, it stands as a manifesto of their young office. The building is closed towards the street and open towards a patio and garden. This project launched their role in shaping Turnhout’s architectural identity.
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| | Welcome Jozef Schellekens House! Turnhout, 1936 | At 27, Jozef Schellekens designed and built his own double house, a landmark of brick modernism. Combining home and office, it featured a garden-focused living space and a striking public hall. He also created the furniture, murals, and colour schemes, blending craftsmanship with modernist ideals and achieving one of the region’s most complete modernist works.
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| | Welcome Villa Michaux! Hastière, 1937 | The modernist exterior of René Michaux's villa conveys an avant-garde vision, while the refined art-deco interior ensures continuity with elegance. Local vernacular elements, such as a natural-stone plinth, are seamlessly integrated. This interplay of innovation and tradition makes it a rare example of stylistic transition within the region’s heritage.
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| | Welcome Maison Marit! Brussels, 1933 | Louis Tenaerts built this house for Valentin Marit, a designer. The striking facade a succession of round shapes and square blocks, the polychromic colours, and the tall window which adorns it give the house a unique character. Together with the very innovative open floor plan it makes Maison Marit the architect’s masterpiece.
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| | SPECIAL – Discover Belgium’s Iconic Houses! | Embark on an inspiring journey: stroll through Brussels, brimming with architectural gems, or uncover hidden treasures in Antwerp, Mechelen, or the artists’ village of Sint-Martens-Latem. From UNESCO World Heritage Sites to private jewels that are open by appointment. Or others, like in Bruges, even offering overnight stays. You’ll always find a fascinating place to explore!
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| | Turnhout Celebrates Its Modernist Legacy with ACT | On October 6, the Architectural Conservation Trust (ACT) was launched in Turnhout, Belgium. Founded by architect Luc Vanhout and his son Jan Vanhout, ACT is dedicated to preserving, archiving, and sharing the modernist legacy of four generations Schellekens & Vanhout family— architects who shaped the architectural identity of the Kempen and beyond.
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| | Adopt an Icon at Risk - PLEASE DONATE! | Thanks to your support, we’ve been able to add 45 houses to our Icons at Risk Watch List. But many more are still under threat—and on our radar. With your help, we can research, document, and share their stories before it’s too late. Please donate today to help us protect these architectural treasures. Every contribution counts.
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